Linotype-machine.



No. 886,587. PATENTED MAY5,1908.

A. DOW.

' LIN OTYPE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 29.1907- 8 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

.q p1lwwoeo all 5mm tor,

No."886,58'7. PATENTED MAY 5, 1908.

A. DOW.

LINOTYPE MACHINE. APPLIQATION FILED JUNE 29.1907.

8 SHEEIS-SHEET 3.

Iv-Moses bTG/kwa PATENTEDMAY 5, 1908.

q vvlmeoaca 8 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

A. DOW. LINOTYPE MACHINE.-

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 29 1907 m n .m u W l lllll 'PATENTED MAY 5, 1908! LINOTYP-E MACHINE. APPLYIOATIQON rnlnn JUNE 29 1901 8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

. 53 ngzffh: I v I I M I 351 Que-aqua @W No. 886,587. PATENTED MAYQ5, 1908.

A.- now. LINOTYPB MACHINE APPLICATION FILED JUNE 29. 190 7.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

m (Mica-nex a;

lvibnaoa co K),

lfildua-nfoz I m PATENTED MAY 5, 1908.

A. DOW. LING-TYPE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 29. 1907.

- 8 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

'Q vi/lwwowo: 4 an we m M toznu f ism. Fig. 2 is a top lan view of the same Fig. 3 is an elevation ooking I the direction "UNITED" STATES PAEFNT OFFICE.

ALEXANDER DOW, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNORTO MEEGENTHALER LINOTYIE COMPANY, i A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

LINOTYPE -MACHINE Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 5, 1908.

Application filed June 29, 1907. Serial No. 381,4.26.

' larly for means for asserting or distributing matrices according to font, but is applicable also for the distribution of matrices according to characters or lettels which they represent. A

There are known in'the art at the present day linotype machines in several forms having a series of magazines each containing a These'machines are font or set of matrices. adapted to compose in one'line matrices from two or more magazines, andit is necessarythat these lines should be disintegrated and the matrices assorted according to font preparatory to' their delivery to the dis tributing mechanisms, by which; they are returned individually to their' magazine channels. To this end, I provide the matrices with notches or equivalent distinguishing features varied according. to font or letter. I provide a mechanism adapted to separate the matrices one at a time from the I composed line, and direct them successively in a common path in which I arrange a series of movable stops one after another to arrest eachmatrix momentarily and repeatedly, each matrix being arrested sooner or later according to its peculiar distinguishing feature.

I also provide ejecting or switching de vices by which the matrices arrested in the later or secondary positions, are delivered from a common path into divergentpaths or channels, all matrices of like form being diverted through the same channel.

In the accompanying drawings .1 have represented my improved mechanism in a form which has been operated in a satisfactory manner, but it is to be understood that the parts may be-modified in form and in arrangement in many ways which will occur to the skilled mechanic, without passin beyond the limits of my invention.

in the drawings,-Figure 1' is a side elevation of my distributingor assorting mechanof the arrow from the line 3" 1, portions being shown in section. Figs. 4. and 5 are cross-sections on the correspondin ly numbered lines, Figs. 1 and .2, showing details of the mechanism for feeding the line of matrices to the disintegrating devices. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the mechanismfor disinterating the composed line, ortions being broken away to expose the internal parts. Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the same, with portions broken away. Fig. 8 is a vertical. I

section through the parts shown in the two preceding figures, and also through the stops thereunder. Fig. 9 is a horizontal section on the line 99, Figs. 8 and 11, showing more especially the arrangement of the stops. Fig. 10 is a cross-section on the line 1010,

-Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is an end view of the parts shown in Fi 8 looking in the direction of the arrqw 1'1. igs. 12, 13, 14 and 15 are vertical sections through the matrix guide and the adjacent stopping and ejecting devices,

showing various positions in which matrices are arrested and the manner in which they are delivered to the various channels, the section being taken on the line'1212 of Figs. 2, 3, 9,850. Figs. 16 and 17 are views looking endwise toward the stops and ejectors in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 12. Fig. 18 is a vertical section through the matrix guide, the matrix stops and e ectors, and the mouths of the adjacent channels to which the matrices are switched or deflected, the devices for v0 erating the stops and ejectors being s iown. Fig. 18 is a face View of a front elevation of the matrix guiding channels with the stops and ejectors therein. Figs. 19, 20 and 21 are I vertical sections through the 'matrix guide, the stops and the ejectors, showing further details. parts shown -in Figs. 19 to 21, looking in the direction of the arrows indicated in said fig- Figs. 22 and'23 are views of the ures, with 1portions broken away to expose 0 erate therewith, in order that the matrix 0 a given form, that is to say, .having'dis- I tingulshing features, may be delivered at one oint and no other. Fig. 2-8 is a view shows 111g one edge of a-matrix. Fig. 29-is a view showing the opposite edge.

The matrices with which my mechanism is 5 designed to operate are preferably made of the form shown at A, Figs. 26, 28 and 29-, but they may be varied in form as desired, rovided only they contain the distinguis ing or distributing features, and are adapted to pass through the mechanism. Each matrix in the form shown consists of a fiat late of metal, having a generally rectangu ar form, with the matrix a in one edge, the distributing teeth a/ atthe upper end, the sustaining shoul ers a near t e upper end, and withone or more, notches a? in the lower end. "These lower notches, which constitute the distinguishing or distributing features of the matrix, are the only features --which are of importance in connection with the present invention. Eachmatrix is also.

rovided with a longitudinal central slot a ofsuch depth that the portion remaining beyond the slotiis ofuniform thickness in all matrices regardless oftheip thickness.

The partlcular mechanism shown in the drawings is designed for distributing mat rices according to iont and regardless of the letters or characters represented by them. I have'shown the matrices as 'belongingto eight setsor fonts, and all those belonging to f any one set or font (except one) areprovided, I firegardless ohthe. letters or characters they represent,'with the same distinguishing fea- 35 tunes or notches. The blank matrices or 1 spaces or the matrices belonging to oneof the fpnts may be made continuous or without notches in the lower ends, as shown at Nos. 2 gand 8, Figs. 25-and 26. All the other mat 16 Hoes are provided with one or two of the notches in the lower' end. There maybe a pair of notches, as shown in broad notch centrally located in the matrices No. 2; or a broad notch located on the left of the center, as shown'in matrices Nol 3; or a broad notch on theright of the center,

as shown in matrices No.4; a narrow notch on'theleft as shownin matrices No. 5; a

" narrow notch on'the right, as shown in ma rices' No. 7; or notcheslocated as in No.8.

- Theonly requirement in this re ard-is that the'notches vin matrices of iditierent fonts shall differ in size or in location in such manner that each of the stop devices hereinfiter described will arrest matrices ofwdifierent forms in .difierent positions, or ,in other words, ',difie'rent relations to the ejecting devices, so that each of thelatter will actto so deflect matrices of one form only. 1

Passing new to the inechanism for $Parating the matrices, attention is directed particularl to Figs. 1,2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 1 0 and i1. The that part ofthe mechanism conmatrices No. 1 in said figures; or a single' normal tionshown in Fig. 8, it will push the ore- 1 5 gage ' charged in like nianner.

' teases of the mas separating the mate rices individually from the line and directing them to the common ide or channel. lhis is constructed as fol ows. B, B, aretwo horizontal stationary rails or guides flanged to engage and sustain the matrices introduced between them, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, so that the composed line, contaimng matrices of different fonts, may be introduced between these rails, sustained by them, and advan'ced endwise toward the disintegrating devices. The. means for introducing the matrices between the guides are, foreign to the present invention. C is a follower or pressure device guided between the rails and acting against the rear end of the matrix line for the-purpose of pushing the same forward, this special device being actuated by a cord 0 passed over suitable guide-pulleys and pro vided with a weight 0 suspended in the'stationary guiding tube 0 The tendency of these parts is to constantly urge the line forward with a gentle pressure. D is a, fixed vertical finger or plate centrally located overi the matrix guides" and having a depending shoulder d in position to enter the slot in the foremost "matriii, and by engaging the same, arrest, the advance of the line. B is a fixed plate or finger located'in such position that thematrix line asses thereover, its uper forward edge being terminated just be hid the rear face of the foremost matrix, as clearly shown in Figs. 6 and '7 so that the for ward matrix and no other maybe driven downward from the end of the line. Owing to the existence of the slota in the matrices, 00 the foremost matrix, whether thick or thin,

is permitted to advance to such point that its rear face will clear the-stopplate E. In

the absence of'the slot a, it would be'obvi ously im o'ssible toefiect the delivery of sin 1 5 gle matrices of different thicknesses. G is a F-shaped depressin finger overlying the me and turning on orizontal trunnions g. This finger has its two arms extended fierwith inwardly extending lips g to act on the flipper end of the foremost matrix only, so t at hen the finger is depressed from the [ward andjprovidedat -their forward ends 11 position shown in nig. 7 to the osimatrix downward below its companast the fixed plate E until it is disen from the stop-shoulder d, whereupon the matriir, being free from restraint, will descehd the :guiddor channel F b gravity.

- As s'oon'as each matrix is disc arged from the end the line, the line moves forward and the second matrix assuniesthe position vaeated'b'gy the first, and is in its; turn "digions . r 12 The de dressing finger maybe operated in anysuita file manner, butl'prefer to provide one of its trunnion's'with a crank-arm g connected to a'rod 'g, whichis extended down ward. as shown in Fig, Ito a lever g pivoted 1a to the frame and provided at its middle with an anti-friction roller riding on a liftingcam The channel F, through which ail the matrices descend in succession, is formed in a solid portion of the framework. After the, matrices enter this channel, it isnecessary that they should be separated according to font, and those of different fonts delivered to different distributing mechanisms; For

Y this purpose I provide a series of secondary guides or channels H,-H, &c. channels begin, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3,

directly-in front of the open side of channel F, in osition to receivematrices therefrorn at di erent heights through the action of the ejxecting devices hereinafter described, and

are deflected successively to the right an left, as shown in'Fign, 3, their lowe'rends" being turned forward'and arranged to de-- liver the matrices to the respective carrier belts I, I, &c. These carrier-belts ass between stationary upright plates -which' keep the matrices .in' place thereon. The belts are carried at their ends around supporting pulleys i, i, and-aresustainedbystationary underlying lates to prevent them' from sagging. .T e'matrices.entering the respective channels H, H, &e., are de livered to the corres" nding belts, and by the latter delivered t rough curved vertical channels K to the distributingmechanisms L for different ma' azines, which 'ma -be of the construction s own in my appication Serial No. 381,276, of even-dateherewith,'or to any other suitable distributing mechanism, this mechanism orming no part of the present invention.

I will now describe'the stops and ejectors which cooperate with the notched matrices to determine the delivery of each matrix-according to the font to which it belongs, to one or another of the channels H, H, &c.

M, M, &c., are a series of reciprocating sto s or detectors located at different heights anr each arran ed to be projected at frequent intervals into the passage F to arrest the descending matrices, these arts being so 'timcd that each matrix in dire course of its descent, is repeatedly arrested by the 'successive sto s, until it finally arrives atthe point at w ich it is 'to be ejectedinto one of the channels H, H, &c.

At their forward ends, the stops .difier in their sectional form, each one bein adaptedto enter the notches in matrices of one font and no other, as lainly shown more particularly in Figshl to 17 and 25 to 27.

All of these,

I the notch or notches in a descendin ma- .trix correspond in form and location wit 1 the stop by which it is arrested, the stop will jv'enter the notches and permit the endof the matrix to descend below the top surface of 4 the stop, as shown for example at N o. 1 in Fig. 25, and Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 in Fig. 27, and also inFigs. 14, 15 and 17. If, however, the end of the stop differs in form or in location from the notches of the matrix which is for the moment arrested thereby, the lower end ofthe matrix will be sustained on a level with the topv of the stop, as in the case of stops No. 4 in Fig. 25, and N0; 3 in Fig. 27. Itis to be observed that the above mechanism arrests each matrix repeatedly, and that each arrest occurs a little sooner or alittle later according to the form of the matrix,

The matrices are stopped in the first or primary position'in order to prevent them from being acted upon b the ejecting devices hereinafter describe before they arrive opposite the secondary channelsin which they belong. p Y v N, N, &c. ,.re resent the reciprocating ejectorswhich int e, present instance, are made of tubularform and seated in the framearound the stops M, as shown in the several figures. Each of these ejectors, which are also prov jected alternately into the matrix channel F, have their forward ends cut away on the uppersidein such manner that if amatrixis arrested on top of the stop M, as shown for example at the top of Fig. 12 and'in Fig. 16, the ejlector may pass forward under the end of 109 t e arrested matrixwithout action thereon, asshown in Fig. 14. This will occur whenever amatrix is arrested op 'osite any one of i the secondary channels ELI-I &c.,into which it should not be delivered. If, on the other hand, the notched end, of the matrix corresponds in form with the stop and settles down astride of'the same, the lower end of. the matrix will stand in the path of the ejector N which will thereafter advance, and acting against the lower end of the matrix positively, eject or switch the same from the channel F,

in the manner shown at the upper end of Fig. 13 and elsewhere, into the secondary channel H, throu h which it will descend to the carrier-belt Thus it will be seen that each matrix, descending the channel F, may be arrested repeatedly in such position that it will not be acted upon by the adjacent ejector until it arrives at the point where it straddles 1 the stop and advances so far that the ejector may act upon it. The essence of my invention lies in the emplo' ment of a series of stops each of which wil arrest the matrices of one form in a differentposition from that in which it arreststhe others, and in combining with such stop devices means for ejecting or deflecting at each point the arrested matrices of one form only.

It is obvious that the stopsM and ejectors '3 N may be widely varied in form, and. that they'may be actuated by any suitable mechposition to be deflected.

- I recommend as a suitable means for operthe mechanism shown more particularly in 1,8, 19, 20, is notched to receivethe end ofan actuati'n lever m enter e surrounding ejector-N. Each of these levers is centrally pivoted and-formed. with three arms, two-of to actuate two'of. the stops M,

ating the stops and ejectors,

2-], &c. Each of the stops ing loosely through a slot in t them. serving while the third arm is jointedto a reciprocat seated in a groove in the frame and common to the entire series of levels. It will be observed that the recipro: cationof this bar has the effect of projecting and at the same time ing actuating bar m "each alternate stop, I retracting the interme permittingeach nel step by step from Thebar m receives motion through a roller 1 m on its lower end from a cam-wheel mfhavin its. side face and as shown in Figs. 13

' inga cam-groove m mounted on shaft-m", and 21..

- The tubular ejectors. N are actuated as shown in Fig. 20, by angular levers 4t pivoted mainframe and jointed to a reciproeating bar 71-, which is seated in a groove in. the main-frame and actuated by a roller n secured to its lower end. and seated-in a camin'the side face of a cam-wheel,

before mentioned gi each In other wor s, the twice asv'often as the because it permits'of a le construction of the parts, and the' ejection of a'matrix which is in the ejecting-position on any one of will be remembered are actuated alternately throughout the series. f

General operation-The composed lines of matrices are introduced successively between and while supported thereforward by the follower C,

The matrix, which is for the moment at the front end of the line, is arrested b the shbul-I der (1, as shown inFig, 7, and furt er advance in the groove n mounted on shaft m, This cam-groove-is of such form as' to two reciprocations to the bar n durin revolution of the cam. ejectors are projected stops. This is done very sim because it insures the stops, which latter it the guides B, B, by, are urged descend the channel F, the descentv 'B, B, which are cutaway at the an amount sufficient to diate stops, this. action matrix to descend the chaneach stop to the next.

G descends and forces the forward matrix out of engagement withthe 2.

' shoulder d, thereby releasing it so that it may;

of the next matrix in the line being prevented by the underlying plate E and also by theguides orward end revent, the escape of e5 the-forward matrix on y. as soonas. the

seats? and the' entire line advances until the second succession and the matrices delivered one after another into the channel F.

rested by the uppermost stop M, and if its notch 'conformsto the stop, it Will descend far enough to be acted upon by the advancstop are withdrawn, the matrix continues its downward course until arrested by the. next arrives at the corresponding stop, when it will descend thereon far enough to 'bedelivered by, the ejector. In this manner, each matrix is delivered positively to its approits delivery to the distributing mechanism of .the proper ma ia zine is insured.

The series 0 secondary channels H, H,

supported up on the main-frame by horizontal pivots it so that the entire series of channels may be swung upward and forward to the'position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. ,1, 1n order bodies. v The various parts hereinbefore described oonstltute the essential elements'of my mechanism, andthey may be mounted on a mainings, or of any other suitable form or con-- struction. i

and desireto secure by etters Patent 1.. In a mechanism for a'ssorting matrices, a guide. or channel through which all the matmovable device for arresting each matrix jacent the guide for positively deli vering there om thosematri later. osition. y H n a'mechanism for as'sortin matrices, a guide or channel, means for delivering all acting to according to its form, and a ,tuated e1ector for delivering t .restedin the latenposition.

eriodically ace matnces ar-.

first matrix is delivered, the depressor G rises matrix assumes the position vacatedby thefirs't and is arrested in its turn by the shoul-- der d. The operation is repeated in rapid passes to the conveyer-belt and thence to the stop M, and so on repeatedly until it finally &c., are preferably fastened together and a base-frame it connected to.

sooner orlater according to its'form, and admeans also movable transversel' of the matrices endwise'in succession throughsaid guide, a perlodically reclprocated stop arrest each matrix sooner or later Each matrix first encounters and is arejector'N' and delivered from the channel effect upon it, and when the ejector and the :priate secondary channel and no other, and.-

to give access to their receiving'ends and to the parts located beneath them, to facilitate the removalof lodged matrices or-foreignf frame or support such as shown in the drawi Having described In invention, I claim 1 ces only which are'arrested 1n the 115 Hoes are successively delivered, a transversely 3. In a mechanism for assorting matrices, a guide or channel adapted to permit the p'as' sage of matrices endwise therethrough by gravity,.means for delivering the matrices 5 successively thereto, stops of variant forms located at different points in the length of the channel and each adapted to arrest each of the passing matrices sooner or later accordiiig to its form, and ejectors acting to deliver tlllfl, matrices arrested in one of said positions 0 4, In a mechanism for assorting matrices, the combination of a guide or channel, means for deliveringthe matrices successively 'to said channel, reciprocating ejectors located at different points in the channel to deliver the matrices positively therefrom, and recip rocating stops of diderent forms located adjacent to the ejectors; whereby the action of each ejector is limited to matrices of one form only. I i

5. In a mechanism for assorting matrices, means for guiding the matrices successively in a common path, retractable stops located at difierent points in thelength of said path and differing in form to arrest eachmatrix in one position or another according to its form, and ejectors located adjacent to the stops, substantially as described.

6. Ina mechanism for assorting matrices, means for guiding the matrices successively in a common path, a series of retractable stops located at different points in said.path-, and each adapted to arrest an advancing matrix sooner or later according to the form of the matrix, and means for delivering those matrices which are arrested in the foremost position. Y

, 7. In a mechanism for assorting matrices,

means for delivering the matrices successively in a common path, means for repeatedly arresting each matrix in the course of its advance sooner or later according to form; and means for ejecting the arrested matrices, each ejectin device acting to deliver matrices of one Iorm only.

8. In combination, a series of matrices com rising matrices differing in form, means for elivering the matrices successively and separately in-a common path by gravity, a series of ejectors for deliveringthe matrices from said path at different points, and means for repeatedly stop ing the matrices and presentingmatrices o different forms in position to be acted upon by the corres onding ejectors only whereby matrices'of iflerent forms are delivered at different points.

9. In a mechanism for assorting matrices, the combination of a matrix guide F, alternately reciprocating stops M, differing in form, and adjacent reciprocating ejectors N.

10. In a matrix assorting mechanism, a series of alternately reciprocating stops M differing in form, the adjacent reciprocating 65 ejectorsN, and meansfor imparting to each by the ejectors.

. ejector two movements for each movement fiect the matrices from said path,and a reciprocating stop M located Within the ejecton.

12. In amechanism for assorting matrices,

; eans for guidin the matrices successively a common pat a series of mechanically gactuated variant stops to repeatedly arrest each matrix, a seriesof' mechanically actuated ejectors to deflect the arrested matrices at one point or another according to their form, and a series of secondary guides or channels to which the matrices are delivered 13. In combination with the reciprocating stops, the levers each arrangedto actuate two stops, and an actuating device common to all the levers j whereby the stops are advanced alternately throughout the series to the end that the matrices may be caused. to advance step by\step.

14. In combination with means for guiding the matrices in a common line, means for delivering the matrices successively thereto, a series of stops for arresting the matrices in different ositions, a series of ejectors adj acent to t e respective stops, and an actuating mechanism common to the delivering devices, the stops and the ejectors; whereby they are com elled to move at the proper times and in tiie proper relations to effect the stoppage and'ejection of the matrices.

15. A series of matrices provided with slots of, as, described, in combination with 5 means for sup orting and advancing the com osed line oi such matrices, asto shoulder 5 adapted to enter the slot of t e toremost matrix and limit the advance of the line, a stationary stop E to hold the second matrix, and means for. moving the forward martix out of engagement with the shoulder d and past the stop E, substantially as described. v

16. In combination with a support for a 5 composed line of matrices and means for admatrices'succe'ssively from the end of a com 1 so posed lioe, and means for rises scoording'to their forms to t tits guides.

, ths binssm 18. In oombinstioo with mesnsfor odvanc,-- do has of matrices endwise the ing a composed directinl the mate respecmstrices presided with notches o, v a stop (1 9 some 9 t s, meohsnism for of means ownword clear of sssorting mstrices, for guldmg and stdtlasgeomposed line, a; ce'ntzsl stop adapted to eng most matrix, a,

bind the foremost matrix,

ggessor G overlying the line,

ed, and adapted to act on the two edges I of the foremost matrix.

for

In. testimony where bond thistwentiethdsy of June,. presence of two attesting Witnesses.

LEXAND RFDO Witnesses:

G. W. BIRD,

and a yibratory having itsend of *I hereunto set my 1907, 511 the FRANK O. JONES.

%)e the upper end of the foreottom support E lying be- 

